Date posted

The University will this weekend become a cyber security training ground, opening its doors to some of Scotland’s most talented young cyber security enthusiasts.

More than 40 candidates from Scottish universities will spend three days in an immersive boot camp, where they will get an insight into the cyber security industry, with a series of security exercises and workshops.

Events will take place at the Glassroom on the Merchiston campus from Saturday March 5-Monday March 7, with a Careers Fair open to anyone with an interest in cyber security careers running in the Merchston foyer from noon-2pm on the Monday.

In addition to help and advice on the technical skills required in industry, the candidates will receive top tips on interview techniques, social media networking and CV writing to improve their chances of landing their first job in cyber security and help towards making their first contacts in the industry.

To top it off, each candidate will be signed-up to an accredited, industry-respected cyber-related foundation qualification, which they can complete within three months of the camp.

Cyber Security Challenge UK is also offering anyone in Scotland with an interest in cyber security careers, the chance to come along and find out how they could get into the industry.

Businesses across the globe are struggling with a major skills gap in cyber security, and are struggling to recruit people that are capable of protecting them from data breaches. With the shortage of skilled workers in the cyber industry due to reach 1.5m worldwide by 2020 – according to (ISC)2, the world’s largest association of cyber security professionals – and careers commanding salaries of over £100,000 a year (Procurre), now is a better time than any to consider cyber security as a lucrative career.

“In recent years we’ve seen a rise in the number tech-savvy individuals coming from Scotland, putting it on the map globally, with the likes of Rockstar North taking the gaming market by storm and Amazon’s software development centre setting up base in Edinburgh,” said Debbie Tunstall, programme manager at Cyber Security Challenge UK.

“We need these talented individuals to consider a career in cyber security, a lucrative industry that is crying out for talent, and our camps and careers days are designed to show just how that can be achieved. We can’t wait to see what Scotland has to show us.”

Professor Bill Buchanan, from Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing, said: “Our Cyber Academy integrates with law enforcement, industry and universities across the World. A key focus is to match the current requirements for skills within Cyber Security, and this camp aims to highlight the range of opportunities, along with providing students with the opportunity to practice their skills in challenging environments.

“It is supported by several leading companies, including Raytheon, who have created an advanced training scenario.”

Organisers hope the mixture of live-action exercises and career-enhancing workshops will stand Scotland in good stead as a source of leading future cyber talent.